Caly 3 CF/ZDP or Delica FFG + Izula

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kya

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Feb 20, 2010
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I plan on making an order soon (probably tomorrow) but I can't decide if I want to go with the Caly 3 CF/ZDP-189 or both a Delica FFG and an Izula kit. Both options end up being about the same price.

Knives I currently have:
BM556 Mini-grip
CRK small Sebenza 21
Spyderco Calypso Jr. VG-10
Spyderco Persistence
Kershaw Chive

The Caly 3 would be my first knife with CF scales and a ZDP-189 blade, but I've read mixed reviews on the CF/ZDP version. In a search, I read several people saying they owned both, but prefer the G10/VG-10 version. The CF and ZDP are the reason I'm considering the Caly 3, so I'm not interested in the G10 version. If I go with the Caly 3, I'd probably throw a Spyderco Bug in with the order just for shits and giggles (the shop I'd order the Delica/Izula from doesn't carry the Bug).

On the other hand, the Delica seems to be the staple Spyderco knife and the new FFG blades are tempting. I'm not too fond of FRN handles, but that's due to cosmetics only. And with the Izula...I really don't know what I would use a fixed blade for, or if I would ever even carry it. It just seems neat and would be my first fixed blade.

I really only use my knives for general EDC tasks, so far I haven't really used any of my knives for anything other than opening packages.

Which route do you think I should go? Please do not suggest something other than the options above, I'm set on either the Caly 3 CF or the Delica/Izula. Thanks.
 
Seems like you would get more use out of the Caly 3 CF. I have one and it CUTS like no other. Out of all my knives [s30v, vg10, 8cr13mov, D2, 420, 14c28sanvic..] ZDP cuts the cleanest and smoothest. Just gotta keep the edge touched up to avoid strenuous sharpening sessions.

I also own the delica/izula and both make good edc's. Izula is doable for urban carry, but not preferred over delica/caly. The new delicas FFGs should be great slicers. With your cosmetic preference I think you would just be happier with the Caly.
 
I would go with the CF Caly 3 as it is beautifully made, sharp as you will ever experience and disappears in your pocket. The Caly will carry well in all types of slacks and is equally at home in a jeans pocket. Once you own one, you will wonder why you didn't get one earlier. The prices are good too.
 
Very happy with my Caly 3 CF... I had a G10 version and it was actually too grippy for the 'dressier' carry I intended it for. Keep in mind the CF is SLICK, no texture, but it makes it much nicer for slipping in jeans/slacks without ripping them up. The deep carry wire clip is good times.

On another note, the Izula is a good one too... but certainly no slicer. It's a thick bugger.
 
Tough question!

I have all three, and really like the CF Caly3 and the Izula. I'm not to fond of my Delica....it just looks/feels cheap compared to the CF ZDP Caly.

I would get the Caly now, and make the Izula the next on my list. If your a knife nut you will always have a whats next list:p
 
I have all of those. I carry and use the CF Caly 3 daily. It even replaced my small micarta 21 as an EDC carry. The Izula is a nice little bade but it's not nearly as comfortable for me to carry as the Caly 3 and it does sometimes provoke less than positive comments about people carrying knives. The Caly 3 has never been an issue for anyone whose seen me using it. Delicas are nice knives and were my intro to Spyderco, but the Caly 3 series is more comfortable for me to carry and use. And I really like ZDP189 now as a pocket folder steel.

Most of the negatives I've heard re: the Caly 3 are because of the hardness of ZDP189 (learn to sharpen and get the proper tools to do it) or the fact that 420J scratches easily (knives are tools... they get scratched up).

I'm happy with the CF Caly 3
 
I just got a Caly, and I really don't like it. I don't like the deep-carry, tip-up pocket clip. It makes it very difficult to get the knife out of the pocket and into the correct position to deploy. On the other hand, I can grab the pivot area of my Delica, pull out of my pocket, give a slight rotate, and then deploy very comfortably.

I don't like the choil of the Caly. It's comfortable to hold in this position, but it's awkward to cut with when the blade is practically between your thumb and index finger. I personally like a regular (hammer?) grip where my fingers are all together, wrapped around the handle, and my thumb is on the ramp.

For that "regular" grip on the Caly, you have to stick your thumb way out compared to the Delica because of the choil area. If that choil weren't there, my index finger would be resting right where the hump is, and then I might change my mind.

I don't like how rough the G10 is on my pocket, and although it is, by itself, a grippy material, it doesn't "stop" slipping like the bi-directionally textured FRN does. The CF on the ZDP Caly 3 won't be as rough on the pockets, though.

Those are deal-breakers for me. I prefer the Delica by far. Other than that, it's a hell of a sweet knife, though. The grind is awesome, the blade shape is awesome, and it is definitely the smoothest lock back I've ever opened and closed (no washers; all smooth metal on smooth metal.)
 
I also prefer the ergos on the Delica, plus, as you said it is the iconic Spyderco, and going with that option would give you a chance to try out 2 new knives instead of getting a duplicate.
 
Big_Red said:
Very happy with my Caly 3 CF... I had a G10 version and it was actually too grippy for the 'dressier' carry I intended it for. Keep in mind the CF is SLICK, no texture, but it makes it much nicer for slipping in jeans/slacks without ripping them up. The deep carry wire clip is good times.
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Slick as in finger print magnet slick? Probably going to be making the order as soon as I get back from work. As of now, I'm leaning toward the Caly, but if it's a finger print magnet I may go with the Delica/Izula.
 
If you won't end up using a fxed blade, I'd go with the Caly 3. I loved mine when I had one. I only sold it to help pay for a higher end custom. If you like the idea of owning a fixed blade just to kind of balance out your collection, the Delica should be a fine EDC. ZDP isn't really that hard to sharpen if you touch it up and don't let it get too dull. But I'd say most steels today will be somewhat of a pain to sharpen if you let them get too dull. And the Delica will be able to do anything the ZDP Caly 3 can do based on your requirements. It really is a toss up and you can't lose any way you go.
 
kya said:
Slick as in finger print magnet slick? Probably going to be making the order as soon as I get back from work. As of now, I'm leaning toward the Caly, but if it's a finger print magnet I may go with the Delica/Izula.
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I don't know how slick a finger print magnet is, but it is on the slick side. It never bothered me for my purposes but I would be cautious about using hard in heavy rain or around oil. Based on what you've described in the first post, I don't think it'll be an issue.
 
kya said:
Slick as in finger print magnet slick? Probably going to be making the order as soon as I get back from work. As of now, I'm leaning toward the Caly, but if it's a finger print magnet I may go with the Delica/Izula.
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Um, no fingerprints on the carbon fiber scales. Plenty of fingeprints on the shiny blade, but not on the scales.

I just wanted to let you know there is basically no texture to the scales. Good for slipping in the pocket.

Get the CF Caly 3 and don't look back fine sir. It's a good one.
 
One more thing, is there any reason you don't consider a VG-10 Caly 3 and the Izula? It seems like it would get the best of both worlds outside of getting a ZDP blade.
 
Kaizen1 said:
One more thing, is there any reason you don't consider a VG-10 Caly 3 and the Izula? It seems like it would get the best of both worlds outside of getting a ZDP blade.
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Well the VG-10 Caly 3 costs about the same as the ZDP Caly and the VG-10 Caly loses its main distinguishing factors when compared to the Delica (to me at least, I won't pay 2x the price just for different scales).

Thanks for all the feedback guys, placing my order for the Caly now.
 
Too late now, but Sage 1 is also fantasmagorical, IMO better texture on the CF than the Caly.
 
My Caly 3 is the lost item I miss the most. Astonishingly sharp, felt great in the hand, beautifully smooth to open, and the low-ride pocket clip worked well.

Can't bring myself to spend the money on a replacement, though, when I have my Sebenza in my pocket…
 
I vote for the Caly 3. ZDP-189 is the $#*%! I love the feel/grip of the knife when in use.
 
Just got the Caly in the mail yesterday. I love it, thanks for pushing me in that direction :thumbup:. The mail man also delivered a nice case for me to start my collection with. And of course, here's some pics of the Caly + Bug and what I've put in the case so far (still got more lights to put in there).

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Hmm...now what to buy next... Sage? Mini-Ritter Grip? A set of diamond/waterstones? So many choices, so little money.
 
kya,

Where did you get that case, and also how did you make the nice clean holes in the foam to put your stuff in? That is fantastic!

Awesome knife by the way. I have one that I carry daily....and one that I just sold. :)

On what to buy next....get a Sage I in Carbon Fiber. One of the best knives made, IMHO.
 
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